COUNCIL chiefs are launching an attempt to help hundreds of disabled servicemen deal with the physical and mental trauma caused by their injuries.

New camping facilities in the New Forest will enable wounded soldiers and their families to enjoy free holidays in the heart of the National Park.

Hampshire County Council is planning to install 20 camping “pods” at the Tile Barn Outdoor Centre in Church Lane, Brockenhurst.

The scheme, which aims to support services provided by the Royal British Legion and the Daily Echo-backed Help for Heroes, was given the go-ahead at a meeting of the National Park Authority (NPA).

Members of the planning and development control committee were lobbied by former county council leader Ken Thornber, who represents the Brockenhurst area.

“This will give amputees, double amputees and triple amputees the opportunity to enjoy the Forest in the company of their loved ones and, in some cases, re-bond with their families,” said Cllr Thornber.

Daily Echo:

NPA member Maureen Holding, who also represents Brockenhurst on the district council, said Tile Barn was the site of a First World War hospital.

She added: “It’s got a terrific history of helping the armed services over a period of many years.

“The scheme before us today will help people who have lost limbs and might be suffering from depression. It will give something back to those who have done so much for us.”

The application was opposed by Brockenhurst Parish Council and the Friends of Brockenhurst.

The two groups said the scheme would result in a more intensive use of the site as well as setting a precedent. They also warned that the neighbouring A337 Lyndhurst to Lymington road meant soldiers would be denied a safe access to the Forest.

Two members of the NPA also voiced reservations about the application.

Richard Frampton said pods were technically caravans, which meant the scheme contravened one of the authority’s planning policies.

John Sanger added: “This is a permanent solution to what might be a short-term demand. The pods could eventually be used for something we wouldn’t have said ‘yes’ to in the beginning.”

But supporters of the scheme said the proposed new structures would occupy less than ten per cent of the Tile Barn complex.

They denied it would set a precedent and also stressed that soldiers exploring the Forest could use a supervised crossing point on the A337.